Porthole has upped their game

It's been over a year since I've been in the Porthole. I try to make it whenever I'm in town, which is usually every winter/early spring. Last year when I visited, they were in the midst of a renovation, with port-a-john's located outside, and it was difficult to determine exactly what the end result would look like. This year, I was pleasantly surprised to see the result.

Initially upon entry, a patron's eyes must adjust to the darkness inside, making it easy to stumble and become slightly disoriented for 30 seconds. Alas, this hasn't changed, but it appears that the place has undergone a reconfiguration of sorts. There is a large mirror directly to the right of the bar and the stage to the left. Lap dance area is to the left and back of the main stage and badly in need of some further work (ripped fabric on chairs, slightly dirty and worn look). Restrooms are new and clean and when I visited on days, no troll. Also, no cover or parking fees.

There were roughly 5 or 6 dancers working when I arrived, several Hispanic and several AA. One of the AA dancers was pretty overweight, the other one skinny and older, but well kept. She walked in right around the same time I did. I ordered a beer, Modello, for $7 plus tip and found the bartendress friendly and attractive. We chatted briefly about the changes and she told me to "have fun"!